Page 3 of A Love Bite

Levi shakes his head. “Don’t forget, Jake, humans and werewolves don’t mix. You’re playing with fire, my friend.”

I grimace. The divide between humans and werewolves is a deep-seated one, and getting involved with a human could lead to all sorts of complications.

“I know,” I mumble, my voice heavy with resignation.

Levi gives me a sympathetic look, his expression serious for once. “Just be careful, Jake,” he says, his tone earnest. “You never know what might happen when you start playing with forces beyond your control.”

I nod, grateful for his concern. “Thanks, Levi,” I say, offering him a small smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Levi wanders off to join the rest of the pack, I can’t help but think about Alex and the unexpected spark she ignited within me. Maybe Levi is right to warn me about the dangers of getting involved with a human, but for now, all I can do is try to navigate the uncertain waters of this newfound attraction and hope that I don’t end up getting burned in the process.

2

Alex

As I leaveLuna’s Moon, the night air cools my flushed cheeks. The bar was an interesting experience, not quite what I expected but definitely worth the visit. I like to explore new places, and I never went there before.

My mind lingers on the bartender, Jake, who seemed endearingly flustered whenever he talked to me. There is something different about him, something intriguing.

I make my way down the quiet streets, the city’s usual hustle and bustle reduced to a distant hum at this late hour. The streetlights cast long shadows, and the moon hangs high in the sky, bathing everything in a silvery glow.

Just as I turn the corner onto a quieter street, I hear a distant howl. It’s a haunting sound, one that echoes through the night. I pause for a moment, listening, but then shake my head and dismiss it. This city has its share of stray dogs, I tell myself, and there’s no need to let my imagination run wild.

Continuing on my way, I can’t help but think back to Jake and the way his eyes seemed to light up when we talked. Despite the briefness of our encounter, I felt a connection, an inexplicable pull toward him. Luna’s Moon feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Or maybe it’s Jake?

Nah. I’m being ridiculous. It’s the alcohol. It went straight to my head.

I finally reach my apartment building and head inside, grateful for the warmth and safety it offers. As I close the door behind me, I try to shake off the lingering sense of unease from the howl. It’s just the city’s nightlife. Nothing to worry about.

After I lock the door, I kick off my shoes and head to the kitchen for a glass of water. The apartment is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels both comforting and slightly unsettling after the lively atmosphere of the bar. I sip my water, leaning against the counter, and let my thoughts wander.

There’s a curiosity growing within me, a desire to learn more about Jake and the bar. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about tonight felt significant. Maybe it’s just the thrill of being in a new place and meeting new people, or maybe it’s something more.

Or, again, it’s just the alcohol.

I finish my water and head to my bedroom, already planning my next visit to Luna’s Moon. As I climb into bed, I can’t help but wonder what secrets the bar and its patrons might hold and what role I might play in uncovering them. For now, I’ll let the night carry me into sleep, but tomorrow brings new possibilities, and I intend to explore every one of them.

3

Jake

As the night deepens,more of my packmates trickle into Luna’s Moon, their expressions tense and worried. The usual banter and lighthearted conversations are replaced by hushed discussions and concerned glances. The rival pack’s encroachment is weighing heavily on everyone’s minds.

I continue to serve drinks, but my focus is split between my duties and the snippets of conversation I catch from the werewolves gathered around the bar. It’s clear that the threat from Elias and his pack is becoming more serious, and the anxiety in the air is palpable.

Tom, the grizzled old werewolf, sidles up to the bar, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a furrowed brow. “Jake, you hearing the same things I am?” he asks, his voice low.

I nod, pouring him a shot of whiskey. “Yeah, everyone’s on edge. Seems like Elias and his pack are making moves. Poison, territory disputes… it’s getting ugly.”

Tom takes the shot in one gulp, grimacing as he sets the glass back down. “It’s not just the poison. I’ve been talking to everyone, and I mean everyone, and I heard they’re planning something big, something that could hit us hard.”

I lean in, my curiosity piqued. “What do you mean? What have you heard?”

Before Tom can respond, another pack member, a tall and wiry guy named Eric, joins us. “He’s right, Jake,” Eric says, his voice urgent. “I’ve been hearing the same thing. They’re trying to destabilize us, make us vulnerable.”

I glance around the bar, noting the worried expressions on everyone’s faces. This isn’t just idle gossip. It’s a real threat. “What can we do?” I ask, my voice tense. “We can’t just sit around and wait for them to strike.”

Eric nods, his jaw set in determination. “We need to be proactive. Strengthen our defenses, keep an eye on our borders. And we need to figure out what their next move is before they make it.”